AOA estimates 125 million Americans may suffer from computer-vision syndrome.

In continuing coverage from a previous edition of First Look, the San Diego Union-Tribune (8/17, Somers) reported that, according to the American Optometric Association, “An estimated 125 million Americans suffer from what is now commonly referred to as…computer-vision syndrome.” Optometrist Jeffrey Anschel, O.D., pointed out that while “[t]he eye focuses on the hard edge of an image,…digital images don’t have a clean edge.” Therefore, “the focus drifts forward and back, causing eye fatigue.” In addition, when “people spend long periods focusing on something close to their face,” the muscles of the eye tend “to lock into that one position, which is tiring, and can push the eye down the path to becoming farsighted.” At the same time, “[t]here’s also glare from the light shining into the eyes.” In addition, “the angle of view for the computer screen, which is straight ahead, isn’t desirable. People tend to focus better at objects when looking down,” Dr. Anschel explained. Gunnar Optiks is now “launching a line of computer glasses that aim to prevent the dry eyes, blurry vision, and headaches that can be caused by” computer use.